Sitting poised on the throne in the grand receiving hall, Elara's fingers pressed lightly against its armrest. Romanus stood at her side, his usual silence masking the tension she felt creeping down her spine.
The weight of the crown pressed against her head as usual, but this time its heaviness was from the precious stones. it was from the knowledge of who was about to walk through those doors.
Her cousin, Lady Milicent of Varel, had requested an urgent audience.
Although she maintained a composed front, her mind was wary. Milicent was not one to visit out of sisterly affection, as they had never seen eye to eye. The last time they saw was at her father's funeral, and even then her disdain was barely concealed. She was no longer the envious girl lurking at the background. She had found her own station, and with it, a new sense of superiority.
So why is she here now?
The heavy doors swung open, and Milicent strolled in. She was adorned in a rich silk amethyst gown, her golden hair woven into an elaborate braid. She moved with practiced grace, her chin slightly raised with a faint smile on her lips. Behind her came Lord Cedric of Varel, his dark eyes meeting Elara's immediately and her fingers tensed.
If Milicent's arrival surprised her, her husband's presence was downright provoking.
Milicent paused before the throne, offering the curtsy. It was not deep enough to be proper, but just enough to feign respect.
"Your Highness," she greeted smoothly.
Elara inclined her head slightly. "Cousin."
For a moment silence fell as Milicent's gaze flickered around the hall, taking in the carefully polished floors, regal banners, and golden chandeliers above.
Her lips twisted. "My, my. Bellmere has certainly seen better days. I suppose a kingdom on the brink of ruin cannot afford to maintain its glory?"
Elara didnt take the bait. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"
Milicent chuckled lightly, though it was void of warmth. "Must I have an urgent matter before I can visit my dear cousin?"
"Yes." Elara stated plainly.
Milicent let out a dramatic sigh. "I suppose I should skip the pleasantries then."
She turned slightly, and Cedric took a step forward, his sharp gaze locking onto Elara's.
"We heard news," he said, his tone carefully measured. "That you have secured yourself a match."
Elara sat up, her expression unreadable. From the corner of her eye, she saw Romanus shift slightly, the only sign of his unease.
They had found out.
She had known the news would not remain hidden forever, but for it to travel beyond Bellmere's borders before she had even made the announcement…? It could only mean one thing.
Someone from the council had spoken.
Elara inhaled, tilting her head slightly. "Word travels fast."
Milicent's eyes shone brightly, her smile stretching. "It does. And naturally we were surprised. Seeing that you turned down numerousnoble suitors before your father's passing, and after… well, let's just say offers dwindled."
Her head tilted slightly. "And now you've settled for a man with no ties to royalty? How… unfortunate."
Her voice dripped with false sympathy as she basked in her amusement, but Elara remained still. She would not give her the satisfaction.
"I have selected a man who is the best choice for Bellmere's future. It is based on capability not nobility." She stated simply.
Milicent's expression became sullen, her shoulders falling slightly as she leaned on her husband's shoulders.
"But is quite sad Cousin," she started, the brows etched with sadness as though saddened by Elara's misfortune. "Varel has… influence. My husband has ties to the Council of Sovereign Nations. If you reached out, we could have ensured a proper match for you and become allies."
She tilted her head, feigning concern. "Instead, you chose a commoner with a fat purse."
Elara's gaze narrowed at the two of them. "Bellmere's affairs are its own, and my marriage is no exception. I see no reason to form an alliance with any kingdom concerning the future of my kingdom, that is apart from my husband to be."
Cedric finally spoke, his voice deep and laced with condescension. "And this businessman is who will never understand what it means to rule a kingdom is whom you deem fit to rule besides you?"
Elara's eyes met his gaze head-on. "Yes, I do. And I see no reason to explain to either of you."
A flicker of something dark passed through his expression, but he masked it quickly.
She had known, even before he married Milicent, that Cedric had never handled rejection well. He had expected her to regret refusing him, to look back on his proposal with longing.
Instead, she had turned away without a second thought.
Even if Kieran had never entered the picture, LordCedric never would have been a choice.
Milicent must have sensed the tension because she placed a hand on his arm, a small act of reassurance. But instead of welcoming her touch, he shrugged her off. She stiffened, but recovered quickly.
She turned back to Elara, her usual smile returning, albeit strained. "I must say, I do look forward to meeting your husband-to-be since you speak so highly of him" she said lightly.
"I imagine he must be... fascinating."
Elara smiled, slow and deliberate. "You will meet him soon enough."
She turned slightly toward Romanus, not breaking eye contact with Milicent.
"See that an invitation is sent to Lady Milicent and Lord Cedric. After all, they will be our esteemed guests at the Royal Engagement."
Romanus inclined his head. "At once, Your Highness."
Milicent's smile did not falter, but the tightened grip on her gown did not escape Elara's notice.
"An honor, truly," she murmured.
Gripping Cedric's arm once again, Milicent held Elara's gaze a moment longer before finally stepping back.
"We should take our leave," she said. "But do remember, dear cousin, we are family after all. If you ever find yourself in need of... support, you know where to find me."
Elara didn't reply. She simply watched as Helena and Cedric turned, their departure sharper and swift than when they entered.
Only when the grand doors shut behind them did she let out a quiet breath.
Romanus broke the silence. "They will not give up so easily, Your Highness. And now that the news has leaked, more will come."
"That is true." She concured.
A ripple of unease coursed through her. The council was already moving against her, attempting to undermine her decisions. If she did not take control of the narrative now, they would. And that was not an option.
Her voice was steady when she spoke.
"Send word to Lady Seraphina immediately. The public walk isn't happening next week…. it's happening tomorrow."